There has not been a German heavyweight champion since Max Schmeling became world champion in 1930. Agit Kabayel could change that – with the support of Fury manager Spencer Brown.
“It’s time to write German boxing history,” says Agit Kabayel in an interview with sport.de. The unbeaten heavyweight from Wattenscheid is currently preparing for the fight of his life: On February 22, 2025, he will face the Chinese colossus Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh – it’s for the WBC interim title. For Kabayel, there is more at stake than just this title: a win against Zhang could put him in a position to fight for the world heavyweight championship later this year.
Kabayel has made a name for himself in recent years with impressive performances. At the end of 2023, he defeated the feared Arslanbek Makhmudov by knockout in the fourth round. This was followed in May 2024 by a spectacular knockout victory against the highly rated Cuban Frank Sanchez. He wants to continue this winning streak against Zhang. “Interim title is not yet the real world championship,” admits Kabayel. “But my big goal is the world title.”
With superstar manager to world champion
Kabayel has teamed up with Spencer Brown, Tyson Fury’s manager, for his assault on the title. Brown, who has excellent connections in the international boxing market and to Saudi Arabia’s event mogul Turki Al-Sheikh, sees the potential for great things in Kabayel: “He is one of the toughest boxers I know. With him, we can make German boxing great again.” Brown is determined to showcase Kabayel in front of a German audience: “The Germans should support this champion. He has the potential to fill stadiums and lead German boxing into a new era.”
Kabayel, who has his roots in the Ruhr region, embodies the mentality of a worker. “I want Max Schmeling to finally have his peace,” he says with a grin, “that someone will finally follow him.” The pressure is great, but the “Liver King” remains focused. “I’m concentrating on the essentials: working hard and winning.”
Text by Robin Josten